Lifeline customers eligible for broadband discount

May. 08, 2013 @ 12:00 AM

Lifeline-eligible customers in eight West Virginia counties served by Frontier Communications can subscribe to broadband service for discounted rates through a limited-time Federal Communications Commission (FCC) pilot program.

The FCC's Lifeline program, which historically provided a discount for phone service for qualifying low-income consumers, will support broadband adoption through discounts for broadband services and the promotion of digital literacy as part of a yearlong pilot program, Dana Waldo, senior vice president and general manager for Frontier in West Virginia, said in a news release.

Frontier is working with Future Generations, a West Virginia nonprofit organization, to provide computer training to participants and demonstrate the value of broadband.

"Providing opportunities for low-income West Virginians to obtain broadband is critical in building our state's capacity for continued economic growth," LeeAnn Shreve, director of Future Generations Rural America, said in the release. Future Generations Rural America also offers low-cost refurbished laptops to this same demographic through a partnership with Mission West Virginia.

Residents interested in participating in the program or receiving more information can call 1-888-483-6767 to speak with a Frontier broadband consultant.